A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY INTO THE COLD CHAIN MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD VACCINES BY PHARMACISTS AT CENTRAL AND REGIONAL LEVEL IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This research was a a descriptive study into the cold chain management of childhood vaccines by pharmacists at central and regional level in Ethiopia It is imperative for health professionals to follow the procedures and policies set out by the health manuals and by of the World Health Organization. The success of any childhood vaccination programme depends on how well pharmacists and health professionals are able to adhere to the laws, regulations and procedures. There is also a need for cold chain to be flexible enough to deal with certain constraints so that the vaccination programmes are not interrupted for extended periods of time but rather run efficiently and benefit the intended population. As a result pandemics are easily avoided and a healthy generation of children will bring about a better society. The study was carried out in two phases i.e. an observational study and a self-administered questionnaire. In the first phase, the observational study was carried out at 5 different Cold chain Facilities. In the second phase, the cold chain management of vaccines was explored by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The key findings of the observational study include that on most occasions policy was not being implemented. Furthermore there were no contingency plans to deal with equipment and electricity issues, no monitoring and evaluation systems, poor recording keeping, poor management of the cold box, access to stock and the actual management of the cold chain for vaccines. The self-administered questionnaire was completed by 43 respondents. The most noteworthy aspects of the research in this phase of the study revealed that education and experience are crucial to the sustainability. Not surprisingly, some of the findings were similar to that of the observational study. Issues surrounding equipment and electricity, monitoring and evaluation systems, poor recording keeping, poor access to stock and ordering of stock were prevalent in this phase of the research as well.